UK official pledges support to 'all segments of Jordanian society'

AMMAN — British Secretary of State of International Development Secretary for the United Kingdom Penny Mordaunt on Tuesday met with women leaders to discuss means of supporting the demands of the women’s movement in Jordan.

During her one-day visit to the Kingdom, Mordaunt met with representatives from the women’s movement at the British Ambassador Edward Oakden’s residence where she launched the UK’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

The British official praised Jordan for being one of the first countries to launch its own plan, and discussed how to further prevent violence against women and girls in the country.

She pointed to the need to support and enable all sectors of society, including women, stressing the UK's keenness “to support gender rights in Jordan in the best manner”.

Mordaunt confirmed that Jordan will receive £110 million of UK aid funding for 2018/19, and announced that her country will provide up to double its current funding for economic resilience in Jordan.

“The UK’s aid will boost the resilience and inclusivity of Jordan’s economy and harness the power of the private sector to create thousands of jobs,” Mordaunt stated, noting that the support is part of the UK’s long-term partnership with Jordan, which was discussed by UK Prime Minister Theresa May and King Abdullah in November.

“Jordan is a beacon of hope and security in the Middle East. We are committed to transforming the country’s economy and helping the government deliver on its commitment to create 200,000 jobs and give every child an education," Mordaunt said.

She stated that her country will stand by the government of Jordan in creating a more resilient and inclusive economy and society so that “all Jordanians and refugees get the opportunities they deserve, regardless of gender or disability”. 

By empowering vulnerable people to provide for themselves and their families, “we are reducing Jordan’s reliance on traditional forms of aid”, Mordaunt stressed, adding that this will build on the UK’s existing support for inclusive schools for children with disabilities so that all Jordanian and Syrian refugee children of all abilities can have the opportunities they deserve.   

For her part, Minister of Social Development Hala Lattouf praised the women’s movement’s achievements over the years. 

“I see here all walks of women who have greatly contributed to the advancement of women in Jordan,” Lattouf told the gathering, adding that "this is why we will continue to prosper because everyone here loves this country and is willing to work on human issues”.

As part of her official visit, Mordaunt went to Om Amaar inclusive school in Amman, where she outlined the UK’s commitment to help Jordan provide an inclusive educational system. 

She then toured the rehabilitation service in Zarqa where she was briefed on how the British aid is helping transform the lives of Jordanian and refugee children, regardless of gender or disability, according to an embassy statement.

Mordaunt also held a roundtable with business leaders at the Jordan Strategy Forum to discuss how the power of the private sector can help deliver growth and jobs in Jordan.

The press release outlined the UK aid to Jordan, which included helping to bring over £150 million investment from other donors to support the education reform, as well as providing grants to create jobs, boost productivity and increase economic resilience. It also entails helping construct critical infrastructure benefitting millions of people and creating thousands of jobs, such as a landfill site in Amman currently under construction that will help 4 million people in the local area.

The support also secured giving live-saving support to 60,000 of some of the most vulnerable Jordanians and refugees, including healthcare and rehabilitation for people with disabilities, the press release said.